First look: Memorial Hall's long-awaited makeover

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Memorial Hall was designed by Samuel Hannaford and Sons Architects and was opened in 1908. Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Memorial Hall Society are hoping to work with 3CDC to renovate Memorial Hall. Enquirer file

Like these theater chairs, Memorial Hall still has many of its original furnishings, including lamps, floors, chairs and hardware. These are the original chairs that were made by Thonet Bentwood in Austria. The Enquirer/Taylor Norton

Memorial Hall was designed by Samuel Hannaford and Sons Architects and was opened in 1908. Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Memorial Hall Society are hoping to work with 3CDC to renovate Memorial Hall. The Enquirer/Taylor Norton

The hall officially closed on May 4 for a major renovation, its first in 20 years. But the real "last look" at Memorial Hall will happen on Thursday night when, for the first time, the public will be able to see the new and improved floor plans. The project's lead architect John Senhauser will be part of an Enquirer-hosted panel discussion about what the renovated hall will have to offer when it re-opens in the spring of 2016.

He will present general details about the updates to the historic 1908 Beaux Arts building, which was built by one of Cincinnati's premier architectural firms, Samuel Hannaford & Sons.

The building has been underused in recent decades due to the lack of air conditioning in the performance hall and no backstage space. The renovations will address those problems, including enhancements to the patron experience such as new, accessible restrooms for both men and women, a new roof and bigger, wider seats. The original wrought iron decor on the 610 seats will be preserved, but cushions will be added for the first time. Because they will be larger, the number of seats will be reduced to about 560, Senhauser said. In addition, there will be several handicap accessible seating areas.

"Memorial Hall is ideal for smaller performances and audiences, while Music Hall and the city's other larger theaters are more suitable for larger productions and audiences," said Bill Baumann, president of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall in a statement to The Enquirer. "Finally, when renovated, Memorial Hall will add to and help strengthen the concept of an 'Arts District' around Washington Park, comprised of Music Hall, Memorial Hall, the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Ensemble Theater, Know Theater, Art Academy, Woodward Theater and others,"

Improvements to the theater will also include new lighting, as well as a four-foot extension of the stage over the existing small pit. That extra stage area will allow a small orchestra and, Senhauser said, "there will be room for the conductor for a change."

A seven-foot extension added to the rear of the hall means that performers will be able to cross over behind the stage for the first time. There will also be some minor acoustical treatments to eliminate extraneous noise during performances.

The existing passenger elevator on the building's north side will be refurbished, and a new service elevator will be added. The new elevator will connect to a new catering kitchen on the first floor, as well as to the stage level. That means, for the first time, concert presenters will be able to move a grand piano on and off the stage without difficulty.

"The whole intention of these improvements will be to allow the hall to change over for events far more quickly, from a concert venue to a choral venue with risers, sound boards or other equipment," Senhauser said.

For those wishing to hold a wedding or corporate event, there will be dramatic improvements to the meeting rooms on the first floor. Besides the new catering kitchen, amenities will include better lighting, an improved sound system and built-in projectors.

Once the hall reopens, the public can expect expanded programming. Developer 3CDC will have a hand in booking local and national performing arts groups. The Memorial Hall Society will continue its Signature Series, and the hall will be available for rent by local arts and civic organizations.

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MusicNOW festival using the hall in 2013.(Photo: The Enquirer)

In 2012, Hamilton County commissioners approved a deal that would allow 3CDC to spearhead the $7.8 million renovation to the 115-year-old building.

The project is still seeking $1.2 million from private donors, the last piece needed for construction and capital costs. In addition, the society and nonprofit developer 3CDC are seeking contributions toward a $1 million endowment, that will be earmarked for future operations and maintenance.

The renovation will be funded through historic tax credits, grants, programming revenues and contributions from foundations and private donors. The county is contributing $1.5 million to the project, but the funding arrangement will eliminate the need for a county subsidy for operations, said commissioner Greg Hartmann.

"The improvements at this county-owned facility will allow for increased programming and entertainment, and will preserve the building for years to come," Hartmann said.

About Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall, located at 1225 Elm St. and owned by Hamilton County, has been on the National Historic Register since 1978.

Designed and built by Samuel Hannaford & Sons in the Beaux Arts style. Completed: 1908. It was built as a "speaker's hall" dedicated to sailors, soldiers, Marines and pioneers.

Home to an elegant and intimate 600-seat performance hall and three reception/rehearsal rooms.

Serves as a place for performing arts, lectures, theater, weddings and events.

Pints for Paint: Last chance to visit Memorial Hall.

Join us this Thursday May 21st from 6-10 PM for our second installment of #PintsforPaint at Memorial Hall in the OTR across from Washington Park.

Enquirer Media's Sherry Coolidge will host a panel to discuss the upcoming renovation with the Project Lead Architect John Senhauser, representatives from Memorial Hall, 3CDC and our own Arts Reporter Janelle Gelfand. Similar to our past #PintsforPaint at The Woodward Theater, we will create an experience that highlights the many memories the hall has brought this great city by curating archived Enquirer Media content throughout the building.

Rhinegeist has donated their delicious craft beer and each pint purchased will go to help with finishing touches on the hall's renovation. The event is free and open to the public.